Welcome to our revamped Bookmark column! Instead of themed book lists, we’re dedicating this space to showcasing the latest and soon-to-be-released Canadian books for young readers. It’s our way of championing the amazing work Canadian publishers are putting into the hands of kids and teens everywhere.
Picture Books
Because I’m BIG
written and illustrated by Kim Fernandes
Firefly Books, 2026
IL: Ages 3-5 RL: Kindergarten-Grade 1
Because I'm BIG is a charming, illustrated children's book featuring a big Cane Corso with an even bigger heart. Based on the author's experience with her own foster dog, the story playfully debunks many of the stereotypes associated with big dogs, but beyond that, it has a positive underlying message about never judging anything or anyone by appearance alone. The author's beautiful, unique polymer clay illustrations bring vibrant colour and life to her meaningful words, and this sweet book is sure to become a story time favourite of animal lovers for years to come.
Because I'm BIG...
means there's more of me to LOVE.
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The Magnificent Banyan and the Green Tong Lau
Written by Stephanie Ellen Sy
Illustrated by Ishita Jain
Kokila/Penguin Random House, 2026
IL: Ages 3-7 RL: Grades 1-2
There once was a bird that dropped a seed into a crack in a green tong lau. Nobody noticed, not even when a spindly root sprouted from the wall and curled past The Grandpa playing mahjong on his balcony, The Aunties belting Chinese opera, The Grandma lighting incense at her altar, The Uncles hanging roast goose in their ground-floor shop window, and children playing about. The banyan tree grew and grew until one day, everyone noticed.
With luminous watercolors by Ishita Jain, this modern fable set in Hong Kong from Stephanie Ellen Sy tells the story of a resilient banyan tree and how one community comes to recognize its many gifts.
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Mooz / Moose
written and illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley
translated by Mary Ann Corbiere
Groundwood Books, 2026
IL: Ages 3-6 RL: Grades 1-2
I know a cat named Mooz, which means moose in Anishinaabemowin. But is she really a moose? Mooz races like a hare, sneaks through tall grass like a snake and caws like a jay. So which animal is she?
Full of fun animal comparisons that young readers will love to read aloud, Mooz is a lighthearted story about a beloved member of the family. This follow-up to the award-winning Boozhoo! / Hello! introduces children to animal vocabulary in both English and Anishinaabemowin. Includes an author’s note and a translator’s note.
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Never Again, for Anyone
written by Stacy Friedman
illustrated by Elly Stern
Arsenal Pulp Press, 2026
978-1-83405-052-2 (hc) $22.95
IL: Ages 6-10 RL: Grades 1-5
Lev loves learning about his Jewish culture and traditions. Ima, his mom, tells him about Bubbie, his great-grandmother, who had to pretend she wasn't Jewish when she was young in order to stay safe. Bubbie heard many people say, "Never again," but she always maintained, "We can't ever let anyone be treated like that again." Bubbie stood up for what she believed in.
When Lev sees a crowd including his friend Ameera marching for Palestine on the street outside his window, he asks Ima if they are speaking out for people being treated unfairly, just like Bubbie. Inspired by Lev's care and bravery, Ima takes him outside to join the march for Palestinian justice and the principle "never again, for anyone."
* * *
Nora at Night
written and illustrated by April dela Noche Milne
Kids Can Press, 2026
IL: Ages 3-7 RL: Grades 1-2
The daytime world is much too loud for Nora. At home, the vacuum vrooms, the television blares and her twin sisters make a racket. Life outside the house is no better, with children splashing around the pool, carts squeaking at the supermarket and cars honking in the street. But when nighttime arrives, Nora can escape to her room, where she finally gets to hear the gentle brushing of branches against her windowsill and the soothing sounds of her family from the other side of the house. For Nora, nighttime is perfectly delightful.
This comforting picture book provides a sensitive portrayal of a child who finds her own quiet and calm within the noise and chaos of her life. Award-winning illustrator April dela Noche Milne has created a calming read that will help children (and their adults!) wind down from a busy day and tune into the quiet stillness of nighttime. Bright, dreamy illustrations bring the story’s gentle beauty to life. The artwork tenderly captures the rhythms of a bustling household and celebrates the children who create their own peaceful corners, making it a natural fit for lessons on adaptability and inner strength. This comforting ode to quiet reassures children that they can find softness amid the noise of everyday life.
* * *
Poh Poh’s Sword
written by Julia Hune-Brown
illustrated by Hayley Lowe
Second Story Press, 2026
IL: Ages 4-8 RL: Grades 1-3
Julie’s Chinese grandmother—her poh poh—has a brave adventure to tell! Julie’s grandmother dances with a sword. She swirls and leaps to the sound of Chinese opera music. When she was young, Poh Poh left her home and everything she knew to travel across the ocean to North America—what they knew as Gold Mountain. The one thing she brought was her sword, but she did not use it to fight. She used it to forge a new life for her family.
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Early Readers & Middle Grade Fiction
Lost Harbor
(Sueño Bay Adventures, Book 7)
Written by Nancy Deas
Illustrated by Mike Deas
Orca Book Publishers, 2026
IL: Ages 6-8 RL: Grades 1-3
In the small village of Sueño Bay, famous for its mysterious crystals and legendary Moon Creatures, friends Sleeves, Jenna, Ollie and Kay attempt to solve one of the island's local mysteries—the disappearance of Jenny Mathers.
Sleeves is intrigued by a book about Sueño Bay mysteries—especially the story about Jenny Mathers, who vanished without a trace years ago. His curiosity grows when he finds a note from his dad tucked between the pages, which talks about Jenny’s disappearance and gives warnings about dark Moon Creatures and the need to find protective crystals. When Jenny's son, Jayden, overhears Sleeves talking about the mystery, he pressures Sleeves to go with him to Lost Harbor to find answers. Along with Jenna, Ollie, Kay and Conker, the gang heads up the island in their trusty go-kart on their biggest adventure yet.
* * *
Salma Keeps Her Word
written by Danny Ramadan
illustrated by Anna Bron
Annick Press, 2026
IL: Ages 6-9 RL: Grades 2-3
When her grandmother visits from Syria, Salma struggles to keep up with Tita’s Arabic—and Tita doesn’t want to learn English. Even worse, Tita seems disappointed in Salma. Salma is eager to share her life with Tita, but speaking to each other feels harder than ever.
With her own creativity and help from her friends, including jokester Ayman and kind Granny Donya, Salma discovers all the ways we can communicate without words—from a backgammon tournament to body language to music—and what Arabic means to her family, her community, and herself. Featuring several Arabic words and expressions, the book also includes a bonus connect-the-dots Arabic alphabet activity.
Twenty emotive black-and-white illustrations by Anna Bron complement award-winning author Danny Ramadan’s trademark honest, heartfelt, and often humorous writing.
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The Science Fair Sabotage
(David's Diary, Book 2)
Written by Bunmi Laditan
Illustrated by Elisa Rocchi
WaterBrook Children’s, 2026
IL: Ages 6-9 RL: Grades 2-3
David loves school! Especially since he just won third place in his school’s science fair AND his class has entered the regional Faith & Fun Science Fair!
It’ll cost $500 for their class to go to regionals, and David is ready to be the top fundraiser and make it happen. The only thing standing in his way is Abby, the new girl who seems to be good at everything and keeps stealing David’s thunder.
Can David stop Abby from sabotaging his chances of being discovered as a scientific genius? And when someone steals their fundraising money, can he figure out who's sabotaging his entire class?
* * *
The Shadow on the Wreck
(The Mizzy Mysteries, Book 2)
written by Claire Hatcher-Smith
Tundra Books, 2026
IL: Ages 10 and up RL: Grades 5-6
Mizzy is spending half-term with cousins in St Jude’s-on-Sea: a seaside town struggling to accommodate an influx of refugees. When she sees a spooky shadow on a wrecked old fishing boat on the shore, she thinks she’s found her next mystery. But her cousins seem determined to keep her in the dark about their comings and goings to the wreck, and she’s left alone to help their old Greek-Cypriot grandfather Papou sort out his papers.
Then an anonymous postcard arrives for Papou, featuring a picture of the old wreck and the words WHAT REALLY HAPPENS? Mizzy must solve the mystery of the postcard sender and prove once again that she is the best detective in town.
Reach for the Stars
(Friends for Life, Book 2)
Written by Julie Couture
Illustrated by Esther Hernando
Auzou Publishing, 2026
IL: Ages 6-8 RL: Grades 1-3
Me, Juliet, I LOVE the theatre! I dream of performing on stage. And as it happens, we're putting on a show at school. I have a fabulous idea! Will my two best friends, Vanessa and Aurelie, agree to participate?
Juliet is ready to become a star, but can she convince her two best friends? Find out in this entertaining and easy-to-read novel with large text, short chapters, and colourful illustrations throughout!
* * *
Willa and Wade Are Definitely Not Spies
(Willa and Wade)
written by Judith Henderson
illustrated by Sara Sarhangpour
Kids Can Press, 2026
IL: Ages 6-8 RL: Grades 1-3
When best friends Willa and Wade discover that there may be spies among them, they decide to see if they can spot any in their neighbourhood. Of course, they don’t want to be noticed. So they disguise themselves in belted trench coats, tipped fedoras and sunglasses. They make sure to act calm and casual as they nonchalantly survey the scene. And they are stealthy when interrogating suspicious-looking characters. Even so, their investigation turns up no spies. However, the rest of the neighbourhood now seems to be whispering about them …
Judith Henderson delivers another amusing story about two lovable bird friends who are always trying new things and learning together. This whimsical graphic novel series for early readers promotes being curious and staying optimistic, no matter what happens. Key to their appeal is the friendship between the two birds, who always listen to and support the other’s ideas, and who thoroughly enjoy investigating the world together. Children will love being in on how obvious the pair are while trying to go undercover, and simple illustrations by Sara Sarhangpour provide visual cues that complement the story. This title is excellent for teaching critical-thinking skills and for character-education lessons on perseverance, adaptability and teamwork.
* * *
Witchward Bound
(A Butter and Owl Adventure)
written by Erin Bow
illustrated by Kelly Murphy
Scholastic Canada, 2026
IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 4-6
Once upon a time, there was a pair of witch’s helpers: a cat named Butter and a raven named Owl. The cat knows he is destined to be a great hero—just ask him. The raven wouldn’t recognize destiny if she flew into it beak-first. They do not get along.
But then their witch vanishes, and Butter and Owl must quest to find her. To reunite their family, they’ll have to outwit sirens and a cyclops, gods and ghosts—and hardest of all, they’ll have to learn to work together.
Humorous and heartfelt, Butter and Owl’s first adventure shows what it means to be a great hero—and what it takes to be a good friend. With enchanting illustrations by New York Times best-seller Kelly Murphy and sparkling words written by beloved Newbery Honor and Governor General’s Award–winning author Erin Bow, this tale is a classic in the making—a whimsical, witty, and warm story worthy of reading again and again.
* * *
Young Adult Fiction
Daybreak, Vol. 3
(A WEBTOON Unscrolled Graphic Novel)
written and illustrated by Moosopp
WEBTOON Unscrolled, 2026
IL: Ages 13 and up RL: Grade 7-8
Marcus has a crush, and Cog is completely unprepared for the hijinks that follow. Hopefully, in their efforts to grow closer, they can brighten each other’s day.
In their final year of high school, Marcus and Cog, two students from different friend groups, started to see one another in a new light.
Now that they’ve graduated high school, Marcus and Cog want to make sure they’re spending lots of quality time together. Their cozy adventures take them travelling, on shopping trips, and to a space exhibit and a costume party. Their social circles grow as they begin blending their friend groups.
Through the excitement of new experiences and growing bonds, Marcus and Cog’s relationship blossoms through the seasons.
This volume collects episodes 108 to 170 of the endearing WEBTOON comic with over 100 million reads, Daybreak.
* * *
Demon in the Sand
(Titan of the Stars, Book 2)
Written by E.K. Johnston
Tundra Books, 2026
IL: Ages 14 and up RL: Grades 9-10
After the horrific events on the Titan, where ancient aliens were released on the ship and massacred or possessed most of the travelers, Dominic finds himself on the surface of Mars amidst the wreckage of the ruined vessel.
He made it out alive, along with a small number of other survivors — including Ren, a smart and determined ship mechanic. Against all odds, Celeste also survived the crash . . . but that should be impossible, given she sacrificed herself to save the others . . .
Dominic and Ren attempt to start a new life on the Mars colony, but the horrors follow them there. What starts out as a mild sickness among the colonists turns into a full-on outbreak — and then, half-eaten bodies are found around the base.
Could Celeste have been taken over by the aliens, and is she behind these mysterious deaths? Despite their differences, Dominic and Ren must work together once again to combat an alien menace in this thrilling sequel to Titan of the Stars!
* * *
Golden Flight
(The Keeper's Records of Revolution, Book 2)
Written by S.K. Ali
Kokila/Penguin Random House, 2026
IL: Ages 14 and up RL: Grades 9-10
How difficult is it to crash the party of the decade? Literally crash it?
The Golden Flight happens once every ten years—a gala to honor elites fallen in service of maintaining Upper Earth’s powerful hold on Earth’s remaining populace and dwindling resources.
It’s a party where cunning new technology gets unveiled to masked revelers perpetually thirsty for fresh entertainment. It’s also a party Raisa and Nayf plan to infiltrate to bring down Upper Earth for good.
Even with a known traitor, and a mysterious, ruthless avenger in their midst, pulling off a dangerous mission in enemy territory feels possible with record-keeper Khalda at the helm. To crack into Upper Earth, simply find strategic details hidden in the records.
However, they soon discover the toll of running a crew with competing, secretive goals: the lines between friend and foe begin to blur to violent ends.
But on an oil rig at the edge of the world, the sun rises and shines on a team member no one knows about.
Will she bring the seed of hope or be the source of ultimate chaos?
Just who is she—and why does she know exactly how to end the world?
* * *
The Queen's Command
written by Sarah Raughley
HarperCollins, 2026
IL: Ages 14 and up RL: Grades 9-10
Favoured by Queen Victoria, Vicky Davies has survived royal courts, financial ruin, and the loss of her mother, Sarah Forbes Bonetta — the famous African princess turned royal goddaughter — but Cheltenham Ladies’ College is about to test her in new and wicked ways.
Every Thursday evening, the senior girls play a secret game, and Vicky just became their latest pawn. Truths must be confessed, commands obeyed, and whoever claims the coveted title of winner will have her wish granted, no matter how outrageous and seemingly impossible it may be.
But when the game yields frightening and fatal results, Vicky vows to put an end to this ghoulish tradition that twists minds and makes enemies out of friends. With dangerous foes closing in and truths that could shatter her world clawing to the surface, Vicky must uncover the secrets buried not only in Cheltenham but by her own mother. In a school where survival is a gamble, will she emerge victorious — or fall victim to its deadly game?
* * *
A Thousand Nights
edited by Nafiza Azad and Intisar Khanani
Candlewick, 2026
IL: Ages 14 and up RL: Grades 9-10
In the mold of Arabian Nights, this groundbreaking YA anthology—featuring seventeen Muslim women writers—links together fantastical stories that a group of refugees tell one another within a riveting frame story.
On her way across the desert, fleeing the soldiers who have destroyed all she knows, one refugee meets another. And another and another. As they travel together, on a journey in search of safety, they take turns telling one another stories—stories woven in the imagination; tales with echoes of the reality they face now. Tales of young people stolen away by jinn and tales of siblings rescuing one another; tales of lands encroached on by settlers and abandoned by rain; tales of magic found in caves, deserts, mountains, lakes, and, above all, in people, community, and faith. With a frame story written by Nafiza Azad and Intisar Khanani interwoven with stories from fifteen additional authors of various backgrounds, drawing on the mythologies and legends of their cultures, this extraordinary collection will appeal to lovers of fantasy and to those looking for books that center refugees and diverse narratives.
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Non-Fiction
Krill: Tiny Giants of the Ocean
(Orca Wild)
Written by Yolanda Ridge
Orca Book Publishers, 2026
IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 4-5
Despite being the size of a paperclip, krill are giants when it comes to the health of our ocean and planet.
This tiny keystone species is a huge source of nutrition for creatures big and small, and without them the entire ocean ecosystem would look very different. But even though krill are among some of the most abundant animal species on our planet, these crustaceans face big threats to their survival.
In Krill, readers will dive deep into the biology and behaviour of krill, from their intricate swarming patterns to their astounding bioluminescence. Readers will learn about the marine food web that connects krill to so many living things and why it is so important to safeguard our oceans for the future. It’s time to protect these tiny ocean giants—and the environment they swim in.
* * *
Winnie Harlow: Supermodel, Entrepreneur, Activist
(Northern Lights)
written by Amy Land
Plumleaf Press, 2026
IL: Ages 8-12 RL: Grades 3-4
Growing up with vitiligo, a rare skin condition, Winnie Harlow was teased for being different. She often felt like she didn’t belong. It wasn’t easy, but instead of shrinking herself, she chose to stand tall. She went from wishing her skin would change to becoming a world-famous model and the founder of her own skincare brand.
From major runways to global stages, Winnie has inspired millions by showing that confidence isn’t about being perfect; it’s about owning who you are. This is the powerful true story of a Canadian girl who turned her difference into strength and changed the conversation about beauty forever.